Shān Yào · Chinese Yam
Shān Yào (山药, Chinese Yam) is a herb of Neutral nature and Sweet flavor, in the “Qi Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Spleen Qi, Tonify Lung Qi, Tonify Kidney Qi.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Shān Yào
- Characters
- 山药
- Botanical name
- Dioscorea opposita Thunb.
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Part used
- Rhizome
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Sweet
- Meridians
- Kidney, Lung, Spleen
- Category
- Qi Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Spleen Qi
- Tonify Lung Qi
- Tonify Kidney Qi
- Secure Essence
Traditional uses
- Chronic diarrhea
- Diabetes (Xiao Ke)
- Spermatorrhea
- Leukorrhea
- Cough with phlegm
Studied effects and current applications
- Digestive tonic
- Supports respiratory health
- Nourishes kidneys
- Regulates blood sugar
- Antidiarrheal
Applications under investigation
- Diabetes management
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive weakness
- Male reproductive health
- Immune support
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- None known
Relative contraindications
- Dampness with fullness
- Pregnancy
- Nutritional support during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe for children, gentle tonic.
- Older adults
- Excellent for weak digestion.
Possible adverse effects
- Bloating (excessive amounts)
When to stop
- Digestive discomfort
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic agents | Metformin, Insulin, Glipizida | Moderate | Polysaccharides and inhibition of α-glucosidase can reduce blood glucose Monitor blood glucose; adjust antidiabetic dosage if necessary. |
| Terapia hormonal sustitutiva | Estrogens, Tamoxifeno | Mild | Diosgenin may have mild estrogenic activity Check if there is a history of hormone-dependent cancer. |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 9-30 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term generally safe
- Children
- Safe and nourishing for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 15-30g for 20-30 min. Can also eat cooked.
Nutritional support
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Polysaccharides (mucilage), diosgenin and allantoin
Mucopolysaccharides and glucomannans · Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory
α-glucosidase inhibition, AMPK activation, microbiota modulation · 10-30% in dry root
Steroid sapogenin · Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hormonal modulator
Synthetic corticosteroid precursor; estrogen receptor binding · 0.01-0.1%
Derived from uric acid · Healing, mucosal protector, anti-inflammatory
Stimulation of cell proliferation, gastric mucosa protection · 0.05-0.1%
steroid saponin · Antitumor, antifungal
Fungal cell membrane disruption, apoptosis induction · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn-winter (October-January), after the aerial parts die
Rhizomes harvested when the plant goes dormant. Rhizomes of the Huaiqishan (怀山药) variety from Henan province are preferred. The rhizomes are washed, peeled and processed immediately to avoid oxidation.
Rhizome washed, peeled (wear gloves: contains irritating saponins), cut into slices and dried in the sun. To avoid blackening due to oxidation, soak briefly in slightly sulfurous or salt water before drying.
Fried slices with wheat bran until slightly yellow and fragrant. The process reduces the cold and dampness of the herb and increases its spleen-toning power.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
